Darktrace appoints former VMware veteran as new SVP of its global partner organisation

He brings more than 25 years of experience to lead Darktrace’s ecosystem of over 500 channel partners

AWS and Microsoft partner Darktrace has appointed Dan Monahan as their new SVP for its global partner organisation.

Monahan joins the Cambridge-headquartered company with over 25 years of experience working with large organisations such as VMware, where he led strategy for the company's national solution providers and distributors.

He will assume responsibility for Darktrace's global partner organisation, including channel sales, technology alliances, and strategic partners.

Among his first tasks, Monahan will be responsible for evolving the partner programme as well as driving growth with new partners and deepening relationships with existing partners.

Previously to his move to Darktrace, Monahan was at AI-powered data security and management vendor Cohesity. There, he oversaw all aspects of the channel programme in North America.

He was named a CRN 2023 Channel Chief and Cohesity earned a five-star rating in the 2023 CRN Partner Program Guide under his leadership.

The Darktrace partner ecosystem is made up of over 500 channel partners worldwide, including value-added resellers (VARs), global systems integrators (GSIs), managed security service providers (MSSPs) and distributors.

"Our global partners play a critical role in our mission to free the world of cyber disruption, and together we can bring our customers cutting edge solutions that use Darktrace's self-learning AI to help them prevent, detect, respond, and heal from cyber-attacks," said Denise Walter, CRO of Darktrace.

"Monahan will be instrumental in evolving our partner program and model to help drive long-term, sustainable growth."

Commenting on his appointment, Dan Monahan said: "The security industry is at a critical inflection point with AI.

"We have a significant opportunity ahead to harness the power of the channel to bring Darktrace's unique self-learning AI to more businesses to help them deliver autonomous, always-on cybersecurity.

"I am excited to draw on my experience to accelerate Darktrace's channel growth, and to work together with partners to help our customers protect themselves from the increasing costs of cyber disruption."

The appointment comes just days after Darktrace decided to back UK government's initiative to develop the UK into a European Silicon Valley and attract more US technology companies and investors.